5 Tips to Protect and Insure Your Vehicle During Auto Shipping
Your car is probably your second-most-valuable asset, only behind your home. As such, when moving from one city to another, you want to be sure that your vehicle is well looked after and adequately insured in the hands of your auto shipper. Though most auto shippers include auto transport insurance as part of their package, you will need to do some research of your own to know for sure what is covered. Here are a few essential things that you should do:
1) Speak with your existing auto insurance company
Some auto insurers will continue to insure your vehicle even when it is on the back of a moving truck. If so, ask them for details on the coverage provided. If your existing policy does not include transport, then you may want to consider exploring your options with them, just in case the shipping company doesn’t have you covered.
2) Speak with the shipping company
If your insurer doesn’t automatically cover your vehicle during shipping, you will need to learn more about the insurance provided by the shipper. In particular, ask about the limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Be sure to get everything in writing before you move forward with anything as you may need to refer to it later.
3) Be sure to remove all personal items and valuables from the interior of the vehicle
Most auto transport insurance policies will not cover the interior of the vehicle or its contents. Since auto shipping can sometimes be a bumpy ride, be sure to remove any objects that could become airborne during transit and cause damage to the interior of the vehicle. Also, remove valuables to reduce the risk of theft during transit, as this is also usually not covered.
4) Complete a thorough pre-shipping inspection
Most shipping companies will require you to go through a pre-shipping inspection of the vehicle before handing it over to them. It is in your best interest to be as thorough as possible at this point. Be sure to take pictures or videos to document the condition of the vehicle. This documentation will be beneficial if you need to file a damage claim later.
5) Re-check the vehicle thoroughly before signing off on the Bill of Lading
Once your vehicle arrives at its destination you will be asked to sign off on the Bill of Lading, indicating that the vehicle got there without any issues or damages. Be sure to do another thorough inspection of the vehicle at this point. If you notice any damages at all you should note it on the Bill of Lading before you sign it. In the event of damages, you should then begin speaking with both the shipping company and the insurance company regarding reimbursement.
Though the auto shipping process is likely new to you, by being patient and methodical in your approach, you can be sure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in excellent condition.
